Whether you are looking for extra counter space or a central gathering point in your kitchen, this sturdy and versatile piece of furniture is sure to suit your needs. The design can be modified with slate with hand-picked tiles or different stains of wood. Take it with you when you move!

WHAT YOU NEED

• Measuring Tape
• Sharp Pencil
• Table Saw
• Drawing that indicates dimensions of island
• Drill
• Table Saw
• Chisel
• Cop Saw
• Wood Glue
• Clamp
• Slate or other Tiles
• Construction Adhesive or thin Mortar and Grout
• Hardwood Banding

INSTRUCTIONS

Decide upon the dimensions of your kitchen island. Prepare a drawing that reflects these.

Use a table saw to cut legs to length (in this case 35”) and rough out the mortises in the legs that will accommodate the tenons from the apron pieces.

Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your finished mortise to cut the mortise. Be careful to keep the depth consistent (about 1 ¼”).

Use a table saw to cut the tenons in either end of the four apron pieces and use these to check the fit of the mortises.

Use a chisel to square and clean up the mortises. Be careful to take off small amounts at a time to ensure a snug fit.

Use a cop saw to taper the two interior sides of the all four legs near 4”-5” from the bottom. This helps the table to look less heavy and more balanced.

Assemble the table. Glue and clamp. Check for square in all directions before wiping off excess glue and allowing to dry fully.

Cut the stringers for the bottom shelf and screw into place. Do the same for the shelf boards.

Cut the table top out of a sheet of ¾” plywood 3” larger in width and length than the base. This will allow a 1 ½” overhang all around.

Secure desired slate or tile with construction adhesive, or a thin set mortar and grout.

Wrap the edge of the tabletop with 1 1/8” x1/4” hardwood banding to protect the tile.

DESIGN NOTES

The shelf boards are cut to two different dimensions(approx. 2” and 4 ½”) to provide some visual interest

I used ten pieces of 12”x12” slate tile that required no cutting and were held in place with a construction adhesive, but you can also use thin set mortar and grout if you prefer.

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